Bond set in child homicide

AIKEN - Roy Clark Morris Jr. gave more than a false name when charged with slaying his girlfriend's child last month, a prosecutor said Thursday.

The New Ellenton man also gave conflicting stories on how the girl died, Assistant Solicitor Bill Weeks said during a bond hearing Tuesday.

Judge James. R. Barber III set bond at $200,000 for Mr. Morris and $35,000 for the baby's mother, Shannon Weeks, 22. Each is charged with homicide by child abuse in the Jan. 3 death of 15-month-old Brittany Weeks. The suspects remained in jail Thursday night.

An autopsy showed Brittany suffered fractures to the head and had bruising and contusions to the face, said Mr. Weeks, who is not related to the defendant.

"It didn't match up with any stories we had been given. Both parties have given contradictory stories," he said.

According to the prosecutor, Mr. Morris said a TV fell on the girl inside the couple's manufactured home on Dogwood Avenue in New Ellenton. Later, the boyfriend claimed the baby fell out of crib onto some toys.

Ms. Weeks' other child is in the custody of the Department of Social Services. If Ms. Weeks meets bond requirements and is released, Judge Barberruled, she can live with her grandmother, but he ordered her not to communicate with Mr. Morris.

Bond was set higher for Mr. Morris because he has gave authorities a false name when arrested and he has a criminal record, Mr. Weeks said.